City to collaborate with Xcel on business energy savings

(3/5/2018)

The city of Winona and Xcel Energy are collaborating with Minnesota’s Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs) to reach out to downtown businesses with information about how they can reduce energy use and save on energy costs.

Energy outreach teams will go door-to-door on Tuesday, March 6, with the goal of reaching 100 businesses. Outreach teams will share information about a variety of energy-efficiency options available to Winona businesses. Businesses will also be able to sign up for free energy assessments available through the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce Energy Smart program later in March. These assessments will provide more detailed recommendations for how businesses can save energy and money, and help connect them to utility program and rebate options that meet their specific needs.

Any businesses interested in finding ways to reduce energy costs and earn rebates can contact the Xcel Energy Business Solutions Center at 855-839-8862. Or, for more information about money-saving programs, visit xcelenergy.com/Business.

This outreach effort is part of Winona’s Energy Action Plan, which was adopted by the City Council in November 2017. The plan sets a goal of increasing small- and medium-sized business engagement in energy saving actions this year, doubling annual energy use reductions. The actions taken will help achieve the community’s goal of reducing energy-related greenhouse gas emissions by 15 percent over the next decade.

If you are interested in learning more about the plan, or volunteering to help Winona reach its goals, contact John Howard at JHoward@ci.winona.mn.us or at 507-457-8273.